Maui Jim Sunglasses

History

Maui Jim sunglasses were created in the early '80s in response to the ineffectiveness of most sunglasses to the brutal tropical rays of the Hawaiian sun. They were only available in the islands until the mid-'90s, when Hester Enterprises (which bought the small company in 1991) licensed RLI Vision to distribute the specialty sunwear on the mainland. Two years later, Maui Jim Sunglasses bought RLI Vision, creating the company that is known today as the fastest-growing manufacturer of polarized sun protection in the world.

Who Is Maui Jim?

Maui Jim is the company mascot: a beautifully-colored macaw. He is featured on the company's line of clothing and accessories, which includes:

• Shirts
• Caps
• Beach towels
• Stuffed animal

Why Choose Maui Jim Sunglasses?

Maui Jim is a recognized leader in sun protection technology. Their Polarized Plus and Polarized Plus 2 lenses block 100 percent of UV rays, and they "manage" blue light without interfering with color balance and perception. Maui Jim sunglasses are designed to compensate for all three types of glare: reflected, direct, and bounce-back. The Maui Jim polarized filters absorb 99.9 percent of reflected glare. The bi-gradient mirror coating mimics the effects of squinting, thereby minimizing direct glare. And the anti-reflective coating absorbs bounce-back glare, which is reflected from behind or to the sides.

What Is Polarized Plus Technology?

Maui Jim's Polarized Plus technology is a multi-layered approach to sunglass construction which combines the best technologies to reduce glare. Polarized Plus is available in polycarbonate lenses in the Titanium Sport, Stainless Steel, and MJ Sport collections. Construction of these lenses begins with the polarizing filter, which is tinted to the lens color. This film is placed between two special polycarbonate lenses, which are then coated with a scratch-resistant application. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the back of the lens, and a bi-gradient mirror coating is applied to the front of the lens. Finally, a waterproof coating is applied to the entire construction, providing protection from water or snow, and making it easier to clean the lenses. These lenses are available in grey (transmits 12 percent of the visible light), rose (15 percent), and bronze (16 percent). Polarized Plus lenses are saltwater safe and effective for blue and infrared light.

What Is Polarized Plus 2 Technology?

In many ways, Polarized Plus 2 is very similar to the Polarized Plus technology. These lenses, however, are glass: standard glass in the Classic and Flexon collections, and superthin glass in the Pure Titanium Collection. The glass in these lenses contains three elements (neodymium, erbium, and praseodymium) which enhance color perception while improving both contrast and depth perception. The multi-layer structure consists of the tinted polarizing filter sandwiched between two layers of optically correct, distortion-free glass. The glass is coated with an anti-reflective coating on the back, and bi-gradient mirroring on the front. The lenses are then given a waterproof coating. These lenses are available in grey (transmits 8 percent of visible light), rose (10 percent), and bronze (12 percent).

Maui Jim Prescription Lenses

Maui Jim prescription lenses are also available. These designs feature the Maui Jim logo so you know that you have authentic Maui Jim sunglasses. They are available in both polycarbonate and superthin glass. The polycarbonate prescription lenses are available in gray and bronze, and progressive lenses are also available. Polycarbonate lenses feature the Polarized Plus technology. The glass prescription lenses are available in all three Maui Jim colors, but only in single vision lenses. It is important to note that Maui Jim glass lenses are not suitable for night driving or impact sports, and they should not be used as safety glasses. While they do meet or exceed FDA impact-resistance standards, they are not shatterproof.

Characteristics of the Frame Collections

Maui Jim Sunglasses has six different collections of frame types to choose from, as well as two shield styles. Within each collection of frame types is a variety of shapes to complement any face shape. There is even a special feature on the company website that suggests various styles to match your face shape.

• Classic: nylon frames tumbled in teakwood and bamboo, with nickel/silver alloy hinges.
• Flexon: these frames are made of a titanium/nickel alloy that is strong but flexible.
• Stainless Steel: this rimless design collection features polycarbonate lenses in two colors.
• Titanium ST: superthin glass lenses in titanium frames.
• Titanium Sport: touted as the "ultimate golf sunglasses," this collection features hingeless and rimless frames made of ultra-light "beta titanium", an alloy of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium that provides incredible strength and flexibility.
• MJ Sport: the ultimate sport sunglasses. Featuring nylon frames and rubber nose-grips, these semi-rimless polycarbonate sunglasses have unique features like air vents on some styles.

The Website

The official website is one of the best of its kind. Not only does it show clearly what each style looks like, it explains the features available in each collection. The website is loaded with information on the technology behind the glasses, useful tips on choosing flattering frames, and even some fun features like a quiz about Hawaii and a list of common Hawaiian words and phrases. The website is worth a visit even if you're not currently in the market for protective eyewear.

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